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A review by apalershadeofwhite
A Touch of Ruin by Scarlett St. Clair
4.0
I love that this book doesn't just focus on the romantic aspect of Persephone's life, but also the friendships; Hecate, in particular. Hecate is not only a dear and trusted friend of Persephone's, but she also acts as a mentor - which is an interesting line to see the author try and navigate. Friendship overall definitely has more of a foot in this novel. There are so many small little quips and moments that really made me laugh; Lexa and Hermes predominantly. They are the comedic duo I didn't know I needed, but now I don't think I could live without them. Additionally, it was so cool to see the original tale of the abduction of Persephone being used! A lot of modern retelling and media twist the tale into one of mutual consent or accidental entry into the Underworld. I'm very happy St. Clair didn't go down this route. I think it's overdone and naïve, and I think her own retelling is very modern while at the same time making sense with the characters.
I did have more issues with Persephone as a character in this book, though. She lets one small thought of someone who doesn't even know Hades influence and dictate her feelings and doubts of him. In these moments she feels juvenile and almost childish, but what can you expect from someone who spent the majority of their life imprisoned? Another issue I had, though, was the promises of gods. In both this book and the previous one, the promise and words of a god are binding, however when Persephone gives Hades a promises in the beginning of the narrative, she later breaks it. If the words of a god are binding, how did this happen? I don't know if it's an inconsistency or a plot hole, but it really bothered me haha.
On a more romantic note, I really enjoyed the verb "worship" / "worshipping" that both Hades and Persephone use towards each other. It shows not only how much they love each other, but it also humanises them as characters and makes them a little easier for the reader to understand and relate to. But I have the same gripe in this book as in the previous: why is Hades ALWAYS turned on? He gets his erection within seconds and it's always described as almost painfully prominent. Does no one see this? How not?
This books doesn't only play with your feelings in a romantic and fluttery sense, it breaks you with sadness. My heart HURT reading the chapter where Persephone fell asleep against the tree in the Underworld as well as the scene in her grove after the meeting with Apollo. One moment actually had me crying! The goodbyes and promises exchanged between Persephone and Lexa? Broke me.
I did have more issues with Persephone as a character in this book, though. She lets one small thought of someone who doesn't even know Hades influence and dictate her feelings and doubts of him. In these moments she feels juvenile and almost childish, but what can you expect from someone who spent the majority of their life imprisoned? Another issue I had, though, was the promises of gods. In both this book and the previous one, the promise and words of a god are binding, however when Persephone gives Hades a promises in the beginning of the narrative, she later breaks it. If the words of a god are binding, how did this happen? I don't know if it's an inconsistency or a plot hole, but it really bothered me haha.
On a more romantic note, I really enjoyed the verb "worship" / "worshipping" that both Hades and Persephone use towards each other. It shows not only how much they love each other, but it also humanises them as characters and makes them a little easier for the reader to understand and relate to. But I have the same gripe in this book as in the previous: why is Hades ALWAYS turned on? He gets his erection within seconds and it's always described as almost painfully prominent. Does no one see this? How not?
This books doesn't only play with your feelings in a romantic and fluttery sense, it breaks you with sadness. My heart HURT reading the chapter where Persephone fell asleep against the tree in the Underworld as well as the scene in her grove after the meeting with Apollo. One moment actually had me crying! The goodbyes and promises exchanged between Persephone and Lexa? Broke me.